Yenakiieve Steel and Krasnodon Coal halted operations - SCM

Yenakiieve Iron and Steel Works (“Yenakiieve Steel”, which includes a Makiivka branch), a steelmaker, and Krasnodon Coal Company (“Krasnodon Coal”), a coking coal producer, subsidiaries of Metinvest Group (“Metinvest” or “the Group”), have halted operations - the official SCM website reports.

Production has been disrupted by the ongoing armed hostilities and a blockade of railway transportation between the controlled and the uncontrolled territory of Ukraine, - the message reads.

It is noted that “Since the beginning of the conflict in the region, Yenakiieve Steel has experienced erratic supplies of iron ore. Following a blockade of the Yasinovata-Skotovata railway line, shipments of raw materials and finished goods are not possible for now”.

Yenakiieve Steel has completed preparations for temporary mothballing. A blow-out of blast furnace nos. 3 and 5 has been performed and the basic oxygen furnace shop has stopped operating. Production at the Makiivka branch will be halted on February 25, 2017. In addition, Krasnodon Coal has halted coal production at all mines due to the blockade of railway transportation.

It is also noted that "Yenakiieve Steel and Krasnodon Coal are registered in territory controlled by Ukraine and pay all taxes and duties to the state budget as stipulated in the country’s legislation”.

“Despite the suspended operations at Yenakiieve Steel and Krasnodon Coal, Metinvest takes its role as a corporate citizen of Ukraine extremely seriously and responsibility for its local communities equally. The Group’s plants are the main employers and economic anchors in their communities. Metinvest does not intend to reduce headcount at Yenakiieve Steel (including the Makiivka branch) or Krasnodon Coal. In addition, employees of the facilities will be transferred to two-thirds remuneration”, - the SCM message reads.